Human Element, Leadership and Management — Operational
Code helm-ops · STCW A-II/1, A-III/1
Human Element, Leadership and Management at the operational level under STCW A-II/1, A-III/1, A-VII/2 — required of all OOW. Workload and resource management, decision-making under pressure, leadership style, motivation, conflict handling. Often combined with BRM/ERM in delivery.
- Prerequisites
- —
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Validity
- 5 years
- Refresher
- —
- Typical cost
- ~$380 USD
Where to take this course
Country guides list accredited training centres in the major seafarer-supplying nations:
Related glossary terms
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.
Human Element, Leadership and Management — Operational: FAQ
- What is the Human Element, Leadership and Management — Operational (HELM-OPS) certification?
- Human Element, Leadership and Management at the operational level under STCW A-II/1, A-III/1, A-VII/2 — required of all OOW. Workload and resource management, decision-making under pressure, leadership style, motivation, conflict handling. Often combined with BRM/ERM in delivery. Referenced in STCW table A-II/1, A-III/1. Category: STCW Management.
- Who needs HELM-OPS?
- HELM-OPS applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-II/1, A-III/1. No formal prerequisites are listed in our directory. Without HELM-OPS, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
- How long does HELM-OPS take?
- Typical course duration is 24 hours (3 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.
- How much does HELM-OPS cost?
- Typical cost is around US$380 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.
- Where can I get HELM-OPS?
- HELM-OPS is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.
- How long is HELM-OPS valid?
- 5 years from issue. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.